In a fresh move to cleanse Nigeria’s mining industry of unlawful activities, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sealed off an illegal quarry in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The raid, carried out by the newly formed Mining Marshals unit of the Corps, led to the arrest of 13 suspects who have already been charged to court.
This elite team, created to combat illegal mining nationwide, acted on intelligence reports that the site had been operating for over seven months without proper licensing, safety measures, or environmental safeguards.
According to the Mining Marshals’ Commander, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Attah John Onoja, investigations revealed that the arrested workers were engaged by a company accused of encroaching on a quarry lease legally held by another licensed operator.
“This is a clear message that we have zero tolerance for illegality in the mining sector,” ACC Onoja declared. “We will not sit back and watch individuals or companies undermine lawful operators or flout the law for selfish gains.”
Authorities shut down the site over multiple violations, including breaches of mining regulations and environmental laws, citing threats to public safety and ecological damage.
The enforcement action follows the strategic mandate of NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, whose leadership has emphasised safeguarding critical national assets and ensuring strict regulatory compliance.
Onoja further warned all unlicensed mining operators to desist from their activities, stressing that the era of unchecked impunity was over.
“No matter how remote or hidden your operations may be, we will find you, investigate, and prosecute you to the full extent of the law,” he warned.
The arrested suspects remain in custody and are expected to face formal arraignment soon, as investigations continue.
This crackdown comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over the spread of illegal mining, particularly in remote and semi-urban areas where oversight has traditionally been weak.
Authorities insist that such decisive actions are key to restoring order, boosting revenue generation, and strengthening internal security in the country’s mining sector.
